Two Key Takeaways After Texans’ First Win of the Season vs Titans in Week 5

It was just a matter of time. After an exhausting first month of the 2026 NFL season, the Houston Texans finally got in the win column for the first time this year. No one would’ve expected the 0-4 start at all, and it’s a big uphill climb for Houston the rest of the season.   The Week 5 division matchup against the Tennessee Titans , who were also 0-4, presented a great opportunity for the Texans to get a win. That’s exactly what happened in an undramatic 26-3 win at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Sunday afternoon. This was an easy victory for the Texans, where all three phases of the game had a balanced performance.   There were still some big issues that needed to be addressed, but just getting a win could do a lot of good for this team. It was clear the Texans weren’t actually one of the worst teams in the league, like the Titans. Here are two key takeaways from the Texans’ first win of the season. First Half Red Zone Struggles in Texans’ First Win It wasn’t pretty for the offense at the start of the game as the Texans did not score a first-half touchdown. Houston settled for four field goals as veteran Ka’imi Fairbairn got plenty of practice. The Texans punted on their first drive and settled for a 45-yard field goal on the second drive after having a first down at the Titans’ 24-yard line. Additionally, the Texans defense forced two turnovers in the second half that both ultimately resulted in field goals. Those were two big chances for the Texans to really up the score. Houston defensive end Dominique Robinson recovered a fumble from Tyjae Spears at the Titans’ 35-yard line. All the Texans could muster was one first down and a 35-yard field goal.   On the very next Tennessee drive, quarterback Cam Ward was picked off by Texans linebacker Jake Hansen, and he returned it back to the Titans’ 41-yard line. Houston was once again sitting with a first down on the Titans’ 11-yard line. A 26-yard field goal from Fairbairn was the result.   On the last drive before the half, the Texans navigated to the Tennessee 37-yard line with a first down. It was an incomplete pass, a rush for 0 yards, and a two-yard pass. Fairbairn drilled a 53-yard attempt, the longest of the game. The Texans led 12-3 at halftime, but fixed the issue in the second half with two touchdowns.   It was a massive 20-play drive that went 89 yards and took up over the first eight minutes of the third quarter. Quarterback C.J. Stroud ran in from two yards out on second and goal. The next drive took up much less time at just over three minutes. Stroud threw his only touchdown pass of the game to Jaylin Noel from nine yards out.   Penalties Racked Up in Texans’ First Win The Texans had 11 penalties for 95 yards, which is way too high. That’s not acceptable when going up against a team like the Titans. Three of those were on the defense, while eight of them were on the offense. A winning team cannot be this undisciplined, and it’s something that the coaching staff really needs to address.   It was a big factor in the Texans’ struggles to score touchdowns as well.   A holding penalty on tackle Trent Brown set the Texans back in the second quarter. Another debatable holding on tight end Brevin Jordan nullified a touchdown run from running back Woody Marks. The offense already has difficulty running the ball and can’t be setting themselves backwards.   The Last Word The Houston defense only allowed three points, forced two turnovers, and had four sacks in the Texans’ first win. The unit was highly successful throughout the game for the first time this season. Yes, it was against the Titans, but you have to start somewhere. Additionally, Stroud continued his great start to the year with 261 yards and two total touchdowns on 26 out of 34 passing. There were positives, but the negatives will need to be fixed to beat quality teams.   More NFL News Texans Rumors: Latest $35M Blockbuster May Lead to Sudden Departure Grading the Texans’ Marvin Harrison Jr. Trade: Low Risk, High Reward Woody Marks Fantasy Value Expands After Week 5 Main Image: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images